The Peugeot 408 Premium and Peugeot 408 GT are heavily discounted, but which to choose?
The Peugeot 408 was the first product to be launched by Stellantis Malaysia. It was a major milestone in a number of ways. For one, it was Stellantis officially introducing itself to the Malaysian market. The Peugeot brand has had several stewards over the years, including Cycle & Carriage, Naza, and Bermaz.
Now it was under its own principle with the backing of a national sales company and a local factory at Gurun. This was soon joined by a regional aftersales warehouse. The Peugeot 408 was also transformative generationally for the nameplate.
Peugeot has been using the 40X name for 90 years now, starting with the Peugeot 401 in 1934. The nameplate has evolved with the times, with the latest 408 morphing away from its sedan roots to SUV styling in its latest crossover guise. This generation of 408 was such a radical shift in concept that it took the team seven years to bring it to fruition. I think it was a necessary move.
Sedans are no longer in vogue in most markets. In fact, the C-segment sedan in Malaysia is a shadow of its former self. When we first got an early test drive of the Peugeot 408 GT, we were impressed and thought it would be attention-grabbing enough to make a huge impact for the brand.
It was larger than your typical C-segment offering with upmarket looks. However, a full year has passed since its launch, and fewer than 800 units have been sold in Malaysia according to data.gov.my. It’s a tiny fraction compared to the Honda Civic, but keeping pace with demand for the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla Altis.
So, it’s not the breakthrough product some of us expected it to be for Peugeot. However, it certainly isn’t dead on arrival. And now, both the Premium and GT variants are available with a significant discount. If ever there was a time to consider one of these left-field family cars, it would now – but which should you pick?
At first glance, both versions seem closely matched. They share the same industry-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty, impressively low annual road tax of just RM90, and a choice of three core colours (Obsession Blue, Okenite White, and Pearl Nera Black).
Under the hood, both get the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 215hp and 300Nm, paired to a slick Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic. Performance is brisk at 8.8 seconds to 100km/h, while handling feels European in character – more dynamic than plush, but still balancing comfort.
Practicality is also strong: a generous 536-litre boot, 189mm ground clearance, and thoughtful touches like rear air vents, a wireless charger, paddle shifters, USB ports front and back, and seatbelt reminders on all seats.
So, where do they differ?
Why Pick the 408 Premium?
If value is your top priority, the 408 Premium makes a very strong case. At RM145,000 after discount, it undercuts many rivals while still offering plenty of European style. It even gets Artense Gray as an exclusive colour.
Smaller 18-inch wheels make it slightly more efficient and more comfortable over bumps, while the inclusion of a spare tyre is reassuring for long drives.
Some will also prefer the physical climate control buttons for their tactility.
And with no sunroof, there’s less heat soak into the cabin and one less feature to maintain long-term.
Why Pick the 408 GT?
If your budget allows, the 408 GT now costs RM165,000 and takes things to a higher level of desirability.
Styling is a big draw – unique GT bodykit, distinctive headlamp and taillight signatures, and bold 20-inch Monolithe alloys give it true avantgarde flair.
Inside, details like a black headliner, green stitching, real leather upholstery, and a GT steering wheel add to the premium feel.
Equipment is where the GT justifies its price: Matrix LED headlights, a sunroof, 10-speaker Focal audio, and a secondary touch panel all elevate the experience.
On the practical side, the powered tailgate and 360-degree camera are highly useful features you’ll appreciate daily.
Verdict
Ultimately, the 408 Premium is the smart buy – it offers the same performance, warranty, and practicality at a much lower price. But if you’re drawn to style, luxury, and modern conveniences, the 408 GT is the one that truly feels like a premium European alternative, especially now with the massive discount in play.
